Spaniards Rally in Support of Monarchy in Capital

Demonstrators gather and wave Spanish flags around the monument of Charles III, a former King of Spain, during a demonstration in support of the Spanish Monarchy in the main square of Madrid, Spain, on June 6.Andres Kudacki / AP

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered and waved Spanish flags around the monument of Charles III, a former King of Spain, during a demonstration in support of the Spanish Monarchy in the landmark Puerta del Sol Square in Madrid Friday.

The 76-year-old Juan Carlos oversaw his country's transition from dictatorship to democracy but has had repeated health problems in recent years. His popularity also dipped following royal scandals, including an elephant-shooting trip he took in the middle of Spain's financial crisis that tarnished the monarch's image.

Demonstrators wave Spanish flags around the monument of Charles III during a demonstration in the main square of Madrid, Spain, on June 6. Andres Kudacki / AP